Global security today faces unprecedented challenges not seen since the Cold War. The convergence of great power competition, shifting patterns of extremism, and the proliferation of disruptive technologies risk creating a ‘polycrisis’ with potentially dire consequences for humanity. As conflicts intensify worldwide, the rules-based international order is under increasing strain, endangering peace and security. Absent coordinated global action, the stability and progress achieved over recent decades may be irrevocably eroded.

In this context, the Calleva-Airey Neave Global Security Seminar Series aims to deepen understanding of the underlying drivers of conflict and security, facilitating critical analysis and dialogue on the complex dynamics shaping contemporary global instability. The series will convene leading academics and policymakers to explore a wide array of security challenges, including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, cyber operations, hybrid threats, regional safe havens, and counter-terrorism.

Event series

The series of events will consist of public conversations with distinguished academics and policymakers from around the world. 

All the events listed below will take place at the Blavatnik School of Government, Oxford University from 5:00-6:30pm, unless otherwise stated.

Please check back for updates as speakers will be added regularly.

Upcoming events

22 October 2025 - The war in Gaza and the unmaking of the Middle East

Andrew Miller, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Israeli-Palestinian Affairs in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs under Biden

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5 November 2025 - Transatlantic security in an age of uncertainty

Rachel Ellehuus, RUSI-Director General

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20 November 2025 - Prevent and counter-extremism in the UK

Lord David Anderson, the UK's Independent Prevent Commissioner and former Terror Watchdog

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25 November 2025 - Democracy under siege

Professor A. C. Grayling, one of the UK’s leading public philosophers and author of For the People: Fighting Authoritarianism, Saving Democracy and Dr Leor Zmigrod, a political neuroscientist and author of The Ideological Brain

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Funding

Funded by the Calleva Centre for Evolution and Human Science and the Airey Neave Trust

It is hosted in partnership with the Blavatnik School of Government.